The modern SUV is an incredibly versatile vehicle, excellent for off-road adventures, while also accommodating passengers, such as bringing the kids and teammates to their practices, or simply running errands, commuting to work, and hauling various gear. You can even use some SUVs to tow trailers and campers. 

However, arguably, one of the most important attributes any vehicle can have today is a reliable suite of safety technologies and driver assistance features. Safety is often cited as a top priority for car shoppers. When considering used SUVs for sale, most drivers want to know how safe they are.

The great news is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces safety standards for modern vehicles, helping to ensure they're ready for American roadways. However, while basic safety features are expected, some vehicles offer advanced features, such as multi-side airbags, collision avoidance, and driver-awareness monitoring. 

If safety is a priority for you, you'll want to know which used SUVs offer excellent safety features. The following is a list of five noteworthy options.

Honda Pilot

As an exceptional family-friendly vehicle, the Honda Pilot offers a breadth of standard safety features, many of which would be merely available on other models. A high towing capacity makes this a valid option for recreational ventures. There's also ample cargo space in the rear, complemented by solid horsepower and torque ratings, which make for a very competent and satisfying drive on city streets and highways.

The Honda Sensing safety suite has standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, a lane-keeping aid, forward collision warnings, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control. You can also get parking sensors on most trims. Advanced airbags are equipped in the front, front-side, and rear row side curtains, as well as at the knees in the front row.

Used Honda Pilots are always accessible, maintaining their trade-in value well, and they boast the brand's reputation for reliability and longevity. This model has been around since the early 2000s and is one of the few on the market with a long-standing third-row seating option. It's a midsize SUV with great styling for those who value practicality, efficiency, and reliability. 

Subaru Solterra

As a brand, Subaru is synonymous with customer satisfaction and dependability, and the Solterra is a great example of both. Subaru is also renowned for building some of the safest vehicles on the road. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, front and rear obstruction detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warnings, driver-awareness monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and even low-speed hands-free driving. 

The central touchscreen and the driver display work wonderfully in conjunction with these active driver assistance features to provide clear camera views and evident alerts. Airbags are located in the front for the driver and passenger, along the side curtains, and at the knees of the front row. Standard all-wheel drive can be considered another passive safety measure, as it improves traction and stability amid poor road or weather conditions.

The Solterra is Subaru's all-electric compact SUV, built with eco-conscious materials, a sustainable design, intuitive tech, and excellent handling, with a wide range of options to choose from. It's a solid option if you're looking for a newer EV that will go the distance, as it is fantastic for busy households, road trips, city commutes, and professionals who adore cutting-edge tech and sharp style.

Toyota Highlander

A three-row midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander is an ideal option for those with a large family, requiring ample room, or needing extensive cargo space. Having won several awards for its safety features, the list of perks for a Highlander is long and diverse. 

This model has a myriad of alerts and warnings, such as for forward collisions, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic, and lane-departure. You also get a blind-spot monitor, a lane-keeping aid, automatic emergency braking, hill start assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Passive features include comprehensive airbags and seatbelt reminders in all rows.

A notable safety feature of the Highlander is its traffic sign detection, which displays a representation of passing traffic signs and their details directly on your digital driver display. Optional safety tech includes dynamic gridlines for the backup camera, as well as a surround-view camera system with a 360-degree overhead view (at low speeds or in reverse) and a curb view.

Toyota is another that holds its value well, especially late-year models. When it comes to used versions of the Highlander, you can get all of the bells and whistles for an incredibly accessible price. Every model seats seven to eight passengers and is available in both gas and hybrid powertrains, along with a variety of trim levels. It also boasts a high towing capacity, complemented by sufficient horsepower and torque.

Hyundai Tucson

Earning incredible safety ratings and awards from various organizations, the compact Hyundai Tucson is just one vehicle among many from a brand that offers top-notch protection through its SmartSense suite. 

Standard across all trims are driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go), lane-keeping and lane-departure assistance, rear occupancy alerts, and pedestrian, cyclist, and rear cross-traffic detection, as well as warnings for forward collisions, blind-spot travelers, driver inattention, and unsafe vehicle exits.

The driver attention alert system uses an infrared camera to detect changes in the driver's gaze, sending updates when it identifies that they are drowsy or distracted. Comprehensive airbags are positioned in the front (to protect the driver and passenger) for side-impact, as well as in the front and rear side curtains. 

With five seats, hybrid powertrain options, and either all-wheel or front-wheel drive, the Tucson is a solid compact SUV. It has been praised for its stylish design, innovative tech, and high value. It's a top option for families, commuters, and everyone in between. Its towing capacity is not as high as that of a midsize SUV, but it can handle small trailers and campers, and it still offers plenty of room in the rear for cargo.

Chevrolet Traverse

Another SUV that has received awards for its extensive safety features, the Chevrolet Traverse offers some unique components, such as heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a driver's seat that vibrates in the direction of imminent danger. This three-row midsize SUV is a solid option for those with busy weekdays and regular weekend getaways, as well as those with big families or otherwise.

Standard driver assistance features include automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, pedestrian detection, rear parking assistance, side bicyclist alert, and adaptive cruise control. Many trims come standard with Super Cruise, the brand's semi-autonomous hands-free highway driving tool. Standard passive safety features again include comprehensive airbags and seatbelt reminders.

The Chevrolet Traverse accommodates up to eight passengers across its three rows and is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. With its high horsepower and torque stats, it is suitable for both on-road and off-road use. A standout capability is its high towing capacity, which is ideal for pulling a heavier trailer, camper, or boat on your trips. 

For When Safe Driving Is a Top Priority

Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Hyundai, and Chevrolet are all brands known for high-quality safety features across all models and trims. The five SUVs mentioned here are great choices, boasting comprehensive protection and innovative technologies such as driver-awareness monitors, full airbag arrays, and front and rear automatic braking. 

If there's something specific you're after, you'll need to pay attention to the minor revisions from one model year to the next, but overall, you'll be in good hands.